Extract text from PDF
Get the text of a PDF in a .txt file, even from scans.
Processed on your device
- 1Choose the files
- 2Arrange and adjust
- 3Download
You need to sign in to use the tools. It's free.
8 free uses a month · Plus is unlimited
Get the words out of a PDF when selecting them doesn't work: protected layouts, scans or photos of documents. The text appears on screen ready to copy, and you can also download it as a .txt file.
How to extract text from a PDF
Open the PDF.
Choose the language of the document, for scanned pages.
Extract the text and copy it, or download the .txt file.
When it helps
You need to quote or translate a fragment of a PDF and can't select the text.
The PDF is a scan or a photo and you want the text without retyping it.
You want to paste the contents into a document, an email or a spreadsheet.
Why use catScan
Private by design
This tool works inside your browser: the file is processed on your device and is never uploaded or stored.
Free to start
Sign in with Google and get 8 free uses per period, shared with the catScan app. 1 use = 1 downloaded file; if something fails, it doesn't count.
Nothing to install
It works in any modern browser on computer, tablet or phone. To scan paper with your camera, use the Android app.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work with scanned PDFs?
Yes. Pages without text are recognized with OCR on your device. Clear scans give the best results; blurry photos or handwriting may come out with errors.
Which languages are recognized?
Ten: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Japanese and Korean. Pick the one of the document before extracting.
Can I copy the text without downloading anything?
Yes. When the extraction finishes, the text appears in a box with a Copy button. The .txt download is optional.
Are my files stored?
No. This tool processes the file on your device, inside the browser: it is not uploaded to any server and nothing is stored.